Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria

Oct 17, 2007 - ongoing

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Description:

By Kyra E. Hicks

Martha Ann is 12 years old when Papa finally purchases her freedom from slavery and moves the family from Tennessee to Liberia. On Market Days, Martha Ann watches the British navy patrolling the Liberian coast to stop slave catchers from kidnapping family and neighbors and forcing them back into slavery.

Martha Ann decides to thank Queen Victoria in person for sending the navy. But first, she has to save money for the 3,500-mile voyage, find a suitable gift for the queen, and withstand the ridicule of those who learn of her impossible dream to meet the Queen of England.

Documentation for this event is housed in The Feminist Art Project Archives at Rutgers University.